FEU Holds Off Ateneo in Four Sets Ahead of Final Four Showdown

Top-seeded Far Eastern University (FEU) battled through a tough challenge from fourth-seeded Ateneo de Manila University, securing a 29-27, 25-23, 15-25, 25-19 win in a thrilling preview of their upcoming Final Four matchup in the UAAP Season 88 Men's Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday morning at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The victory was a testament to FEU's resilience as they fought back from adversity—overcoming four set points in the opening frame, rallying from a three-point deficit in the second set, and recovering after a slip in the third set to clinch their fifth consecutive win. The triumph also handed Ateneo its second straight defeat.

With the win, FEU enters the Final Four with a 13-1 record and a twice-to-beat advantage, while Ateneo, who finished the elimination round with a 7-7 record, qualifies for the postseason for the first time since Season 81 (2019).

The Tamaraws also head into the playoffs with added confidence after sweeping their elimination-round meetings against Ateneo in Season 88.

“We prepared well for today, especially on the last day of Round 2,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo. “The key is understanding each other’s goals. When we’re on the same page, things work. When we’re not, there’s a bit of struggle, but as long as we communicate well, we’re okay."

On the third set, Orcullo noted, “I’m okay with the third set; it was an opportunity for us to adjust. There’s always something to learn from what we did, things we can add or take out.”

In the fourth set, the Tamaraws bounced back from their third-set stumble, building a commanding 18-11 lead with key plays from Mikko Espartero, Lirick Mendoza, and Dryx Saavedra. Although Ateneo closed the gap to 20-16, FEU kept its focus, securing the win with an Amet Bituin combination play, two quick points from Mendoza, and a match-clinching crosscourt hit by Luis Miguel.

The Tamaraws had earlier fought back from a 19-22 deficit in the second set, taking a crucial 2-0 set lead. Despite a dominant third set from Ateneo, FEU stayed composed in the fourth to seal the match in one hour and 49 minutes.

Bituin led FEU with 21 points, including 18 attacks and three blocks, along with 14 excellent receptions and six excellent digs. Saavedra contributed 16 points, while Espartero had 13 points, 19 excellent receptions, and three digs. Mendoza chipped in 11 points, including six attacks, three blocks, and two aces, plus three excellent digs.

Team captain Ariel Cacao orchestrated the offense with 24 excellent sets and added two points. Libero Vennie Ceballos posted 15 excellent receptions and nine digs.

For Ateneo, Nigerian wing spiker Aimar Okeke was the standout performer, scoring 24 points on 22 attacks and two blocks, with eight excellent receptions. Jian Salarzon contributed 13 points, 25 excellent receptions, and four digs. Season 87 MVP Kennedy Batas added 10 points, four receptions, and two digs off the bench, while rookie middle blocker Rodge Alejos finished with nine points. Amil Pacinio and Brian Castro each chipped in six points for the Blue Eagles.